Advancements, challenges and future perspectives on peptide-based drugs: Focus on antimicrobial peptides

•Timeline and R&D trends in peptide-based drug applications have been discussed.•Recent technological advancements in the therapeutic development of peptide drugs have been thoroughly assessed.•Challenges particularly drug formulation, peptide synthesis, and drug resistance related to peptide drugs have been presented.•Future outlooks in the development of efficient and sustainable peptide drugs have been proposed. Among other health related issues, the rising concerns on drug resistance led to look for alternative pharmaceutical drugs that are effective both against infectious and noninfectious diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerged as potential therapeutic molecule with wide range of applications. With their limitations, AMPs have gained reputable attentions in research as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. This review highlighted the historical background, research trends, technological advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in the development and applications of peptide drugs. Some vital questions related with the need for pharmaceutical production, factors for the slow and steady journey, the importance of oral bioavailability, and the drug resistance possibilities of AMPs were raised and addressed accordingly. Therefore, the current study is believed to provide a profound understanding in the past and current scenarios and future directions on the therapeutic impacts of peptide drugs. [Display omitted]